Dr. Phil has his pants up!

Today's (January 28th) Dr. Phil show featured the topic of sagging pants and whether or not it's ok to legislate what you wear. This "debate" got out of control with guests talking over each other several times.

Guests on the show said that the fad started inside the prisons because convicts cannot wear belts and then hip-hop artists picked up on it. Al Sharpton, rap group Ying Yang Twins, as well as three parents were on stage. Two of the parents (mothers) were against the sagging pants and the other parent, a father, supports it and even wears his pants in the same fashion.

Concerning the media...the debate took a turn in this direction during the show: how responsible are entertainers for influencing fashion?

Personally, I think clothing is such a minor issue compared to what is in the music lyrically as well as what is shown in videos. However, I don't care for the trend.

Spinning Plates

In checking out the various spots in this world, I want to send out a big "HELLO" to whoever is stopping by from Canton, Ohio, Evansville, Indiana, Gainesville, Florida, Edmonton, Alberta Canada, and Hudson, Ohio...Thank you for stopping by. Please feel free to leave a comment. It's good to have you.

The video below was produced by one of the most talented kids I've ever had. Ryan Koppelman is a Beachwood High School graduate and is getting ready to graduate from Columbia Film School in Chicago. Ryan is very detail-oriented. It's a big part of what makes him great. He also plans out his videos very carefully.

It Happens Everytime

Did you ever hear someone sing and think, "That couldn't be their voice"???? This is a funny video "cover" of a song by a group called "Dreamstreet." It was done by a group of guys in my first period class (Brian, Trent, Tim, and Thomas).



This next song was done by a group of broadcast students who love the band Chiodos. I'm not wild about the whole fast-paced metal music but their video made me "appreciate" the song more.

New video

I apologize. I spent all afternoon trying to upload video projects to YouTube with little success due to choppy playback. However, I was able to get this great video up by one of my first graduates from Solon, Mike Monacco. Mike did this video as part of a diversity assignment.



Mike was one of the best students I've ever had. He attacked each assignment with a lot of dedication and creativity. He comes from a great family as well.

Check these out!

Ok, as promised, here are more class video projects. Can you tell these kids really liked these projects? Seeing this kind of creativity come from the students is one of the best parts of my job. Please watch all of the videos and leave comments. Thank you!

I never expected students to pick a Beatles song to do a video to. This one, "Taxman," is incredible. The "taxmen" in this video are Rondre and Andy.


Up next is "Ready or Not" as performed by the Fugees professionally. Lauren stars in this video version with the help of Michelle, Rebecca, and Brittany.




The video below is a duet called "The Boy Is Mine" as sung by Monica and Brandy. Here, it's Myra and Randi.

Do you think this is fair?

The news item below is from WKYC.com. Readers of this blog who are parents, would you think this is fair if this was your child who did this? Would you as a parent require more of a punishment? Or would you ask for less?

Readers of this blog who are students, do you think this is fair? Just out of my curiosity, what benefit or benefits do you think the students are getting by showing support on a Facebook page? Exactly how is this serving their cause?

Keep in mind that the story does not reveal the following details:
-whether or not the videos were shot and/or edited on school grounds.
-what exactly was the content of the videos. But I believe a ten day suspension is the strongest suspension a student can receive so I'm speculating the videos were pretty damaging.



Summit County high school students suspended over videos posted on YouTube

GREEN -- Nine Green high school juniors have received 10 day suspension for videos they posted on the web site, YouTube.

The students produced, acted and posted the videos parodying students and teachers.

The district took offense to the videos, although many students said they felt they were of good nature and humorous.

The school's superintendent met with students and parents Tuesday afternoon at the school.

Students are showing support for their suspended classmates on a Facebook page.

Coming soon.

A couple of my former students have posted comments on here. Look for some of their work to be posted on here sometime around January 18th.